The Garden of Abdul Gasazi

Ever since reading Chris Van Allsburg’s The Garden of Abdul Gasazi, I’ve been rather obsessed with ivy covered walls, stone stair cases, oddly shaped topiary, and bull terriers. When I discovered a garden that looked straight out of an illustration from the book, I knew I’d found a magical place. Fifteen years later, I planned a photoshoot to finally capture my own story.

I’d envisioned a misty, dark early Spring day, with grey toned images and an ethereal loneliness. I also pictured a bull terrier.

Neither of those things happened, and given how unpredictable the weather is, TJ and I decided to just work with the sunny day we were given. I’m rather fond of the hyperreal look gained by the use of strobe in bright, midday sun, and we had an amazing team that made sure every shot came out flawlessly.

Besides, it gives me an excuse to go back and try again, hopefully with a bull terrier in hand.